Prescott Area

Prescott (pronounced, Press-kit) is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona. The population is approximately 40,000. The towns of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt and Prescott together comprise what is locally known as the “Quad-City” area. Other towns in the area include Mayer, Paulden, Wilhoit and Williamson Valley.

Prescott is located 90 minutes northwest of Phoenix in Arizona’s central mountains. Its mile high elevation (5,347 feet) brings four mild seasons. The average annual daytime temperature is 70 degrees with over 300 days of sunshine. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees. Prescott offers blue skies and fresh air, beautiful mountain views, lakes and forest lands. People are not only drawn by its surroundings, but also by its small town feel. It’s great for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, golf and all areas of outdoor recreation. There are 8 local golf courses, 5 public and 3 private.

Residents appreciate the quality of life, great climate, outdoor lifestyle, highly rated educational institutions, medical facilities, local shopping, dining establishments as well as the Gateway Mall. Prescott is a highly desirable place to live, work and retire. Residents enjoy the benefits of small-town living while taking advantage of many positive amenities of large metropolitan areas. Prescott’s lifestyle has been repeatedly recognized by national publications and websites.

Prescott Area Location:

Prescott is located in Arizona’s central mountains; four mild seasons offer just enough variation to make the weather both moderate and interesting. Prescott is located 96 miles northwest of Phoenix and 90 miles southwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. The city was established in 1864, incorporated in 1881 and is the seat of government for Yavapai County. The city is named in honor of noted historian William Hickling Prescott.

Prescott Area Climate:

Mile-high Prescott has an ideal four-season climate, with elevation and mountain breezes keeping summer temperatures from reaching the high levels of the Phoenix desert. Temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees, and most days are filled with sunshine. Humidity is a moderate 45% year-round. July marks Prescott’s monsoon season with cool afternoon thunderstorms.

Prescott Area History:

The discovery of gold in 1861 brought national attention to what later became the territory of Arizona. These discoveries drew the attention of President Abraham Lincoln who was looking for possible sources of funding for the North during the Civil War. Arizona became a Territory February 24, 1863. John Goodwin, was the first Territorial Governor, established Prescott as the first Territorial Capital.

Prescott developed rapidly, and in 1865 it was described as being built exclusively of wood and in-habited almost entirely by Americans. Both of these facts made it unique among early communities. Prescott lost its title as the Capital of Arizona to Tucson and finally to Phoenix in 1889. In 1900, a devastating fire burned a large portion of downtown Prescott to the ground. Many of the buildings you see today were rebuilt following the fire. Today, many of Prescott’s residential streets are lined with tall trees and pitched-roof frame houses, including turreted Victorians. Prescott has over 700 homes and businesses listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Its granite courthouse set among green lawns and spreading trees reflects the Midwestern and New England background of Prescott’s early pioneers, thus coining the phrase, “Everybody’s Hometown.”